Taking my seat on a replica Iron Throne.
Traveling to the Seven Kingdoms was once a page turn away, but with the epic HBO Game of Thrones series, it is now a plane ticket away. As a dedicated fan and traveler, I craved to see the real locations of the North, King’s Landing and Meereen.
Iceland:
Eastwatch-by-the-Sea: Dyrhólaey - We all watched in amazement as The Wall crumbled down and the White Walkers made their way into Westeros. But, in real life, you can visit The Wall in Southern Iceland. The cliffs of Dyrhólaey are known for the black sand beaches and arch, yet Game of Thrones lovers can visit and walk in the footsteps of Jon Snow, Gentry, Jorah, the Hound and the Brotherhood Without Banners while at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.
The Mountain like an Arrowhead: Kirkjufell – The “Mountain like an Arrowhead” is actually the Kirkjufell in Iceland. It is a well-known mountain, and not far from the capital Reykjavik. At the base is a parking lot, which makes it very accessible.
Bloody Gate to Eyrie: Thingvellier National Park – Compared to the icy scenes filmed beyond the wall, you would never guess the Eyrie was filmed in Iceland as well. One of the most beautiful parks in the world (in my opinion, at least) is the home of Robin Arryn and the Knights of the Vale. Throughout Season 4 of Game of Thrones, we can see Arya and the Hound’s journey in the crevasses of this park.
How to get there:
Northern Ireland:
Melisandre’s Cave: Caves of Cushendun– On the coast of Northern Ireland, you can find the Caves of Cushendun, or Melisandre’s Cave. Of course, you will not find any Shadow Babies around, but you will find stunning views of the ocean. The cave was used years ago to store fish, so the smell still lingers. As you stand in the entrance, the wind will whip through the cave and send chills right through you, which once helped keep the fish cold.
Pike Rope Bridge: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Ballintoy – Once used by salmon fisherman to check their nets, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was inspiration for the bridge Balon Greyjoy is thrown off of in Season 6.
The Stormlands: Larrybane – We can find the location of King Renly’s camp in the Stormlands when he first marries Margaery and host the tournament that Brienne of Tarth won.
Winterfell: Castle Ward – During Season 1 of the Castle Ward was the filming location of Winterfell. Here, we can see the archery lesson for Bran that Ayra interrupted and the Stark’s greeting for King Robert and his party. Currently, Castle Ward offers archery lessons for tourists from actual extras of Game of Thrones.
Pike: Ballintoy Harbor – When Theon returns to the Iron Islands, he can be found on this shoreline. This is also the filming location of the Greyjoy baptisms. Whether you are a Game of Thrones fan or not, this beach is stunning.
Arya’s Stairs: Carnlough – In the freezing waters in a small fishing village, we can find Arya’s stairs. After being stabbed by the Waif in season 6, these are the steps where Arya climbs out of the water with a bleeding side.
The King’s Road: The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney – The Dark Hedges are one of the most photographed locations in Northern Ireland, and grew in popularity as the filming location of the King’s Road. Unfortunately, due to the popularity following the airing of Game of Thrones, there are strict ordinances placed to limit the visitors.
How to get there:
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